Gwen Madiba, left with Mayor Jim Watson after her presentation Photo credit Gwen Madiba

November 22 at 1:26 PM · 

Today, I stand humbled on Algonquin Anishinabek unceded territory as I receive the Order of Ottawa from the City of Ottawa, his Worship, Mayor Jim Watson and his team alongside some of the most spectacular and inspiring citizens.
First, allow me thank each person who has contributed to my gofundme initiative. Thank you to each person who took the time to wish me a happy birthday.

This year, my birthday month has been full of blessed honours. I am grateful for God’s plans in my life despite the adversity that I may face from time to time.

Growing up in Ottawa has been one of the biggest blessing in my life. I’ve built my life, my projects here supported by a community of uplifting people who amplified my strengths and pushed me on a day to day basis to become a better version of myself.

Before my father left Canada, at the airport he asked my siblings and I to always choose to do good and to be good to others no matter what! Be good, let go and let God!
My parents wish has always been that their children lead by example in humility, love and respect.

This Order of Ottawa belongs to each person who has encouraged me, empowered me and uplifted me over the course of the years; to all the people who stuck with me through thick and thin; it belongs to my family, to my chosen family, the true friends; the people and businesses who not only opened their doors, but their mind and hearts to me, to my projects as impossible as they seemed.
Thank you will never be enough to express my profound and sincere gratitude.
I cannot end this message without thanking my friend Lok Ng who captured this moment and my chosen family who showed up even at the very last minute yesterday.
Thank you to the City of Ottawa, Mayor Watson and Councillor Mathieu Fleury. 🙏🏾
It is only together that we can continue to build our city and community. ♥️🙏🏾

Honoree Gwen Madiba signs the book for the Order of Ottawa, with Mayor Jim Watson and Councillor Mathieu Fleury

Source: Facebook